Bombshell Announcement: Amanda Balionis’ reason for ditching golf dream to pursue different sport
Amanda Balionis is one of the most recognisable golf broadcasters, interviewing the world’s biggest golfing stars and attending the grandest tournaments
As a youngster, golf was on her radar along with swimming and volleyball, but she exchanged tee times for laps in the pool when the going got tough (Image: PGA TOUR)
Amanda Balionis, the and presence at major tournaments, to dominate the greens.
As a youngster, golf was on her radar along with swimming and volleyball, but she exchanged tee times for laps in the pool when the going got tough.
Speaking to GolfDigest, she admitted it was the solo aspect of junior golf that dampened her spirits: “I played junior golf for a few years; my parents loved playing with me, but the minute I had to carry my own bag and walk nine holes by myself, I was like, ‘Eh, you know what, I’m gonna go join the swim team.”
Additionally, during her chat with Links, she during her formative years and how things might have been different. She lamented how the absence of organisations like the PGA Junior League and The First Tee in her youth led her to give up the sport prematurely, suggesting that their support could have kept her in the game longer.
She admitted it was the solo aspect of junior golf that dampened her spirits (Image: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“I started playing around seven or eight years old. As an only child I was alone a lot, so I gravitated more toward team sports and ended up falling in love with volleyball, which I played in high school and college, and then picked golf back up after college. If we’d had programs like PGA Junior League and The First Tee back then, I probably would have stuck with it.”
Having covered golf extensively throughout the latter months of the season, Balionis off last event coverage for 2024 with the announcement that she’ll be gracing another sideline for the network shortly, reports .
Set to make her way back to NFL reporting following previous gigs on college football and NFL broadcasts, Balionis shared a compilation of memories from her recent golf adventures as she bid farewell: “This year had it all. From historic moments to heart-shattering events and every other emotion you can imagine in between. I love this game. I love working in sports. Competing at the highest level requires and produces constant examples of inspiration, drama, unbridled joy, resilience, growth and teamwork.
“It’s an honor to be a very small part of a tremendous team that brings these moments and stories to life each weekend. If we left you with one new favorite player, or one memorable moment you shared with loved ones than we have done our jobs. Catch ya on the NFL sidelines until next season!”